By Kristel Satumbaga
The Bulacan Kuyas showed they can get the job done through their defense as they held the Basilan Steel scoreless in almost three minutes to pull off a 59-57 victory Tuesday night in the 2018 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Datu Cup at the Marist School gym.
Down 57-53, the Kuyas threw the Steel out of their comfort zones with their pressure defense, and in the process, scoring six straight points to snatch the win.
The win was the fourth straight and fifth overall in six outings for the Kuyas, who are backed by Mighty Sports’ Ceasar Angelo Wongchuking.
The San Juan Knights still lead their division with a clean 5-0 record.
Jerick Cañada paced the Kuyas with 17 points including three triples, aside from posting seven rebounds and four assists. Jovit dela Cruz chipped in 10 points.
The Steels fell to 2-3.
Meanwhile, the Marikina Shoemasters survived the Pasig Pirates’ fourth-quarter onslaught for a 71-67 triumph.
The win enabled the Shoemasters to even their record to 3-3.
For a while, the Shoemasters looked headed for a runaway win when they took a 58-44 lead.
But the Pirates tied the count at 60-all after unleashing a 16-2 attack.
That proved to be their last hurrah as Erwin Sta. Maria and Jay-R Ng Sang made their free throws to ease the tension.
Sta. Maria finished with 19 points and seven boards while Ng Sang added 15 markers and 11 rebounds.
The Pirates absorbed their fifth straight defeat.
